REAKING: Wildfire Devastates Maui, Hawaii, Leaving Destruction and Loss in Its Wake
KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) — A devastating wildfire ripped through the heart of Maui on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least six people. The fire, which spread rapidly and with great intensity, destroyed numerous homes and businesses in the historic tourist town of Lahaina. Panicked residents were forced to flee into the ocean to escape the flames.
County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin reported that the fire was widespread in Lahaina Town, including the popular shopping and dining area of Front Street. Photos posted by the county showed flames engulfing buildings and leaping above the town center, which dates back to the 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aerial footage captured after sunrise revealed entire blocks reduced to ash and thick smoke filling the air.
The wildfire in Maui was concentrated in two areas: West Maui, a popular tourist destination, and an inland, mountainous region. Emergency personnel closed all roads in and out of West Maui, allowing only access for essential personnel. Over 2,100 people sought refuge in evacuation centers overnight.
The National Weather Service attributed the strong gusts, reaching over 60 mph (97 kph), to Hurricane Dora, which was passing south of the island chain at a safe distance of 500 miles (805 kilometers). The powerful winds knocked out power, rattled homes, and grounded firefighting helicopters. As the winds diminished, aircraft were able to resume flights on Wednesday.
The Coast Guard conducted a rescue operation on Tuesday, saving 14 individuals, including two children, who had sought refuge in the ocean to escape the fire and smoky conditions.
During a news conference on Wednesday morning, County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. confirmed that six people had lost their lives in the fires. The details of the deaths and their locations on the island were not immediately available.
Six patients with critical burns were airlifted from Maui to Oahu on Tuesday night, according to Speedy Bailey, regional director for Hawaii Life Flight. Three of them were taken to Straub Medical Center’s burn unit, while the others were transported to different hospitals in Honolulu. At least 20 patients were taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is currently traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard to provide assistance.
The extent of the damage and the number of structures destroyed or people evacuated is still unknown. However, Martin stated that four shelters were open, accommodating over 1,000 individuals. The situation is described as unprecedented, with multiple districts affected by the fires.
Kahului Airport, the main airport in Maui, provided shelter to 2,000 travelers whose flights were canceled or who had recently arrived on the island.
Efforts are underway to prepare the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu to accommodate thousands of displaced tourists and locals.
Alan Dickar, owner of Vintage European Posters gallery, expressed uncertainty about the fate of his business, which had been a fixture on Front Street in Lahaina for 23 years. Dickar recorded video of the flames engulfing the main strip of shops and restaurants before evacuating with three friends and two cats. He lamented the loss of his possessions but expressed gratitude for his safety.
Fires were also reported on Hawaii’s Big Island, but there have been no reports of injuries or homes lost, according to Mayor Mitch Roth. Firefighters managed to extinguish a few roof fires, and the situation is under control.
The wildfires in Hawaii differ from those in the U.S. West, as they tend to occur in large grasslands on the dry sides of the islands and are generally smaller in scale. However, they can still cause significant environmental damage, such as the removal of vegetation and the erosion of soil into the ocean.
The island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, experienced power outages, downed power lines, and traffic issues.
Tiare Lawrence, a resident of Pukalani, east of Lahaina, described the situation as apocalyptic and expressed concern for her family members who had fled the area. She emphasized the strong Hawaiian community in Lahaina and expressed heartbreak over the loss of homes and memories.
The full extent of the damage caused by the wildfire is yet to be determined, but the impact on the affected communities is already profound. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be challenging, requiring a collective effort to rebuild and support those affected by this tragic event.Wildfire Ravages Maui, Hawaii, Destroying Homes and Businesses, and Claiming Lives
KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) — A devastating wildfire tore through the heart of Maui on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire spread rapidly and with great intensity, destroying dozens of homes and businesses in the historic tourist town of Lahaina. Tragically, at least six people lost their lives in the blaze, and around two dozen others sustained injuries. Panicked residents were forced to flee to the ocean to escape the flames.
The fire engulfed Lahaina Town, including the popular shopping and dining area of Front Street, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Disturbing photos posted by the county showed flames leaping above buildings and reducing entire blocks to ash. Aerial footage captured after sunrise revealed the extent of the damage, with thick smoke filling the air.
Authorities issued a warning, urging people not to go to Lahaina Town. All roads in and out of the community were closed to everyone except emergency personnel. Over 2,100 people sought refuge in evacuation centers overnight.
Firefighters battled multiple blazes concentrated in two areas: West Maui, a major tourist destination, and an inland, mountainous region. The strong winds, with gusts above 60 mph, caused by Hurricane Dora passing south of the island chain, hindered firefighting efforts. Power outages, rattled homes, and grounded firefighting helicopters were among the consequences of the powerful gusts. However, as the winds diminished, aircraft were able to resume flights.
The Coast Guard conducted a rescue operation, saving 14 people, including two children, who had sought refuge in the ocean to escape the fire and smoky conditions.
During a news conference, County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. confirmed that six people had lost their lives in the fires. The details of the deaths and their locations on the island were not immediately available.
Several patients were airlifted from Maui to Oahu, with three in critical condition due to severe burns. At least 20 patients were taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center. The full extent of the injuries and casualties is still unknown.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke declared an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is currently traveling. The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to provide assistance.
The scale of the devastation is unprecedented, according to County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin. Multiple districts have been affected, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.
Kahului Airport, the main airport in Maui, provided shelter to 2,000 travelers whose flights were canceled or who had recently arrived on the island.
Efforts are underway to accommodate thousands of displaced tourists and locals at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.
Alan Dickar, owner of the Vintage European Posters gallery, which was located on Front Street in Lahaina for 23 years, recorded video footage of the flames engulfing the main strip of shops and restaurants before evacuating. He expressed uncertainty about the fate of his gallery and lamented the loss of the economic heart of the island.
In addition to the fires on Maui, three wildfires were burning on Hawaii’s Big Island. However, there have been no reports of injuries or homes lost. Firefighters managed to extinguish a few roof fires, and the situation is under control.
Fires in Hawaii differ from those in the U.S. West, as they tend to occur in large grasslands on the dry sides of the islands and are generally smaller in scale. However, they can still cause significant environmental damage, such as the removal of vegetation and the erosion of soil into the ocean.
The island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, also experienced power outages, downed power lines, and traffic disruptions.
The tight-knit community of Lahaina, known for its strong Hawaiian presence, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. The loss of homes and memories has left residents heartbroken and their lives forever changed.
This story was updated to correct that Bissen is the mayor of the County of Maui, not Lahaina Town.
Sinco Kelleher reported from Honolulu. Associated Press writer Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed to this report.
Son Mahina Martin. Four shelters have been opened to accommodate over 1,000 individuals, and efforts are underway to prepare the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu to accommodate thousands more displaced tourists and locals.
The wildfires in Hawaii differ from those in the U.S. West, as they tend to occur in large grasslands on the dry sides of the islands and are generally smaller in scale. However, they can still cause significant environmental damage, such as the removal of vegetation and erosion of soil into the ocean.
Residents and business owners in Lahaina are left grappling with the aftermath of the devastating wildfire. Alan Dickar, owner of Vintage European Posters gallery, recorded video of the flames engulfing the main strip of shops and restaurants before evacuating with three friends and two cats. He expressed uncertainty about the fate of his business and lamented the loss of his possessions but expressed gratitude for his safety.
While fires were also reported on Hawaii’s Big Island, there have been no reports of injuries or homes lost, according to Mayor Mitch Roth. Firefighters managed to extinguish a
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Praying for everyone affected by this tragedy.